"Why? Because in violation of my wishes she had persisted in
writing, and soon began to importune me for money. Then I made her
understand that even at my death, she would receive no aid; and
since that endorsement, I have returned or destroyed her letters
unread. My Will is so strong--has been drawn so carefully--that no
contest can touch it; and it will stand forever between your mother
and my property."

As he uttered these words, he elevated his voice, which had a ring
of savage triumph in its harsh excited tones. Just then, a muffled
sound attracted his attention, and seizing his gold-headed cane, he
limped with evident pain to the threshold of the adjoining room.

"Bedney."

Receiving no reply, he closed the door with a violence that jarred
the whole room; and came slowly back to the table, where he stood
leaning heavily on his stick.

"At least we will have no eavesdropping at this resurrection of my
dead. That Ellice is now a miserable woman, I have no doubt; for
truly: 'Quien se casa por amores, ha de vivir con dolores.' Of
course you understand Spanish?"

"No, sir; but no matter; I take it for granted that you intend some
thrust at my mother, and I have heard quite enough."

"Don't know Spanish? Why I fancied your--your 'exiled scion of a
noble house'--taught all the languages under the sun; including that